EL PASO, TX — Outfielder Gregor Blanco’s two run-scoring singles proved to be crucial in a narrow 6-5 win for the Sacramento River Cats (43-56) over the El Paso Chihuahuas (52-47).

Blanco entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning and promptly extended the team’s lead to 4-2 with an opposite-field single. He stayed in the game to play left field and blooped another single into center to plate his second run of the game — which turned out to be the game-winning run.

River Cats starter Chris Stratton was solid in six frames as he struck out 10 Chihuahuas hitters while allowing just two runs on six hits and three walks.

Chris Shaw’s third-inning two-run shot was his 19th home run of the season, pushing him one past the 18 he hit last season with the River Cats in 360 plate appearances. This year, it took him 311 trips to the plate to hit 19.

First baseman Jerry Sands, with the club attempting to execute a hit-and-run play, stole the team’s first base since July 5. Sacramento is fifth in the Pacific Coast League with 70 stolen bases as a team.

In game two of this series, the River Cats will welcome back right-hander Tyler Herb (1-1, 5.59), who missed 80 games on the disabled list. The Chihuahuas will go with undefeated righty Brett Kennedy (8-0, 2.65). First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. (PT). Catch all of the action live online at rivercats.com, on the MiLB First Pitch app, and on the air on Money 105.FM.

West Sacramento, CA – The Sacramento River Cats (40-57) took a 3-2 lead into the eighth inning against the El Paso Chihuahuas (49-49) but watched it slip away as El Paso scored three times to steal the game 5-3.

Sacramento starter Chris Stratton put forth an excellent outing over his 6.2 frames tonight, allowing two runs on seven hits before giving way to the bullpen. The right-hander threw a career-high 111 pitches (74 strikes) tonight while striking out seven. He was in line for his fifth win of the season until the Chihuahuas’ late comeback. River Cats relievers Kraig Sitton and Derek Law could not hold the Sacramento lead, allowing three runs in the eighth inning, three runs that ultimately decided the game.

Third baseman Ali Castillo gave Sacramento the early 2-0 lead in the second inning, singling home Tim Federowicz and Ryan Lollis. Juniel Querecuto had the third and final RBI for the home side tonight while also extending his hitting streak to six games. With the loss tonight the River Cats split the four-game series with El Paso.

The River Cats will hit the road to take on the Tacoma Rainiers for a four-game set. Right-hander Jose Flores (0-1, 3.94) will get the start for Sacramento and righty Chase De Jong (3-4, 5.96) will go for Tacoma. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live on the air on ESPN 1320 and online at rivercats.com.

El Paso, TX – The Sacramento River Cats (30-46) mounted promising comeback attempts late, but each of them fell flat as they dropped Tuesday night’s game to the El Paso Chihuahuas (38-40) by a score of 5-2.

Chris Stratton allowed a season-high 11 hits tonight, as he was unable to get through the fifth inning. The Right-hander allowed five runs on 11 hits, a walk, and six strikeouts, while throwing 104 pitches (69 strikes).

The bulk of the damage on Tuesday night came from the two-three hitters for El Paso, as Jose Rondon and Christian Villanueva combined to go 6-for-8 with four runs scored, three RBI and five extra base hits, including a home run apiece.

The River Cats threatened a couple times late, but were unable to mount a serious rally against the Chihuahua bullpen. Juan Ciriaco punched an RBI single to center in the seventh and Mac Williamson hit a sac fly to the wall in the ninth, but it was too little too late for Sacramento.

The River Cats will look to bounce back behind left-hander Andrew Suarez (1-1, 5.40) for game three tomorrow night. The Chihuahuas will send right-hander Trevor Cahill (0-0, No ERA) to the mound on a rehab assignment from the San Diego Padres. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com and on the air on ESPN 1320.

West Sacramento, CA – The Sacramento River Cats (23-36) fell in the fourth and final game of their Highway 99 series Thursday night against the Fresno Grizzlies (29-32) by a score of 9-2.

Sacramento showed a spark early, collecting three hits and scoring a run in the second inning thanks to a sacrifice fly by Ali Castillo. The River Cats bats managed just four hits the rest of the way, however. Their second run came on a solo home run off the bat of third baseman Ryder Jones. For Jones, it was his seventh long ball of the season and his 23rd RBI.

Fresno found their stride in the second inning, tying the game at one on a Tyler White RBI-groundout. They scored four runs in the fifth and three more in the eighth en route to their 9-2 victory. Sacramento starter Chris Stratton yielded five of those runs over his 4.1 innings while walking three and striking out three. His ERA climbed to 6.35 in the loss.

The River Cats will open a three-game series tomorrow night at Raley Field against the Reno Aces. Joan Gregorio (3-4, 2.97), who owns the fourth-best ERA in the PCL, will take the mound for the River Cats. For Reno, it will be Frank Duncan (5-4, 5.37). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com and on the air on Money 105.5 FM.

Federowicz has career day, Williamson racks up five RBI in blowout win

Albuquerque, NM – The Sacramento River Cats (21-33) put on an offensive show in their 13-1 rout of the Albuquerque Isotopes (28-27) highlighted by Tim Federowicz’s first career five-hit game.

Federowicz, who leads the team with a .356 batting average, finished tonight’s game 5-for-5 with three runs, two RBI and two home runs. The veteran backstop also started a double play after fielding a bunt in the fifth inning and notched his seventh double. Right fielder Mac Williamson had a stellar night of his own, going 2-for-5 with five RBI and launched two homers. Tonight marked Williamson’s second five-RBI game this season. Shortstop Ali Castillo hit his first home run of the season in his first game back with the club since April 11.

Sacramento starter Chris Stratton was terrific on the hill tonight as well, earning his first victory of the year. The right-hander went seven innings of one-run ball while allowing six hits and striking out seven. He did not allow a walk and threw 107 pitches, 80 of which went for strikes, both team-highs.

The River Cats can win their third series of the season tomorrow night with a win as they send right-hander Joan Gregorio (3-4, 3.18) to the hill. The Isotopes will counter with right-hander Barry Enright (2-1, 5.40). First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com and on the air on Money 105.5 FM.

West Sacramento, CA – Sacramento River Cats (16-26) starter Chris Stratton took the mound Sunday afternoon at Raley Field looking to bounce back after a rough last outing. The former first-round pick did just that, throwing his first quality start of the year. Unfortunately, Nashville Sounds (20-20) starter Jharel Cotton was even better and the River Cats fell 4-0 Sunday.

Stratton looked great all afternoon other than a brief hiccup in the third. With two outs in the inning, Stratton gave up a walk followed by back-to-back hits to give Nashville two runs. He settled in after that, allowing just one more run in the seventh frame before turning things over to the bullpen.

Nashville’s Cotton outdueled Stratton though, shutting out the River Cats over seven innings. He walked one and struck out nine in the outing while Sacramento managed just three hits against him, one of them a double by Tim Federowicz.

Tomorrow’s finale between the River Cats and Sounds will features Dan Slania (0-5, 8.65) against RHP Daniel Gossett (1-2, 4.31). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com and on the air on 105.5 FM.

Oklahoma City, OK – Kyle Blanks slugged a three-run blast in the ninth inning, but it was too little too late as the Sacramento River Cats (15-22) fell 6-4 to the Oklahoma City Dodgers (19-17) Monday night.

Blanks came on as a pinch hitter with two outs and two on in the ninth and launched a moonshot home run to centerfield. The blast cut the deficit to two runs, but the Dodger’s Brandon Morrow closed out the inning to give Oklahoma City the series opener.

The Dodgers jumped out to an early 6-0 lead against the River Cats and starter Chris Stratton. Oklahoma City’s starter Wilmer Font was perfect through six innings, ultimately striking out 15, the most by a starter against the River Cats in the team’s history.

Orlando Calixte ended Font’s bid for a perfect game with a leadoff walk in the seventh inning. Austin Slater then singled to break up the no hitter and Chris Marrero drove in Calixte, giving the River Cats their first run of the night.

Game two will feature Sacramento’s Dan Slania (0-4, 8.79) against the Dodgers’ Fabian Castillo (1-2, 5.63). First pitch is set for 5:05 pm (PT) and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com and starting at 6 p.m. on the air on 105.5 FM.

Fresno, CA – The Sacramento River Cats (10-17) rode a strong start by Chris Stratton and a home run by Orlando Calixte to a 4-2 victory against the Fresno Grizzlies (12-16) Thursday evening at Chukchansi Park.

Stratton was excellent in his return to the River Cats rotation. The righty went 4.1 innings, allowing four hits and a walk, while striking out six. He took a no decision in this one, however, after throwing just 71 pitches (49 strikes).

Shortstop Calixte got the scoring started in the third inning with a two-run homer to left, which was changed from a double after the umpires met to confirm the ball had cleared the fence. Sacramento added a run in the sixth on back-to-back doubles by Chris Marrero and Justin Ruggiano, then another on a throwing error in the seventh.

Kraig Sitton came on to relieve Stratton, and after giving up a run on two hits in the 5th inning, the tall lefty retired the final eight hitters he faced. Matt Reynolds threw a clean 8th, before Ryan Webb nailed things down in the 9th to earn his 2ndsave.

The River Cats go for their second series win behind right-hander Dan Slania (0-3, 9.17). The Grizzlies counter with righty Trent Thornton (0-0, 1.50) as they seek a series split. First pitch is at 7:05 and can be heard live online at rivercats.com and on the air on ESPN 1320.

West Sacramento, CA – The Sacramento River Cats are excited to announce their 2017 Opening Day roster. Included on the roster are a number of returners from the 2016 squad plus a whole crop of prospects rising through the system. Among those on the roster are eight of the San Francisco organization’s Top 30 prospects, including the top two prospects in the system.

Tyler Beede and Christian Arroyo, the number one and two Giants prospects respectively, are joined by Joan Gregorio (#8), Steven Okert (#12), Austin Slater (#19), Chris Stratton (#23), Chase Johnson (#25), and Ryder Jones (#30). Last year, the Opening Day roster included seven of the organization’s Top 30 prospects.

Eight different players on the roster will be making their Triple-A debut, including Jae-Gyun Hwang, a Korean Baseball Organization All-Star. Hwang signed with the Giants this offseason and put together a very strong Spring Training, hitting .340 with five home runs and 15 RBI.

Leading this talented roster will be new River Cats manager Dave Brundage. Brundage joined the organization this offseason, bringing with him two decades of managerial experience. He is coming off an excellent 2016 season in which he led the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs to an 85-58 record, the second best mark in Triple-A. Joining him are returning hitting coach Damon Minor and pitching coach Dwight Bernard. Also returning areathletic trainer LJ Petra and strength & conditioning coach Adam Vish.

Infielders (7)Arroyo, Christian IF
Blanks, Kyle IF
Castillo, Ali IF
Ciriaco, Juan IF
Hwang, Jae-Gyun IF
Jones, Ryder IF
Tomlinson, Kelby IF

Outfielders (5)Bernard, Wynton OF
Calixte, Orlando OF
Moncrief, Carlos OF
Ruggiano, Justin OF
Slater, Austin OF

*The River Cats will be making five moves to cut the active roster to 25

The River Cats open the 2017 season this Thursday, April 6 at home against the visiting Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners). First pitch is set for 7:05 pm with 6:05 pm gates. Tickets for Opening Night and the rest of the first homestand are still available. Tickets can be purchased online at rivercats.com, over the phone at (916) 376-HITS, or by visiting the Round Table Pizza Box Office at Raley Field.

New Orleans, LA – The Sacramento River Cats (43-56) ended their eight-game road trip on a high note Thursday night in New Orleans, defeating the New Orleans Zephyrs (46-50) by the score of 5-4. The win not only earned the River Cats their sixth series win, but brought their record to 5-3 since the All-Star break thanks to some familiar faces.

Making his second rehab start with Sacramento was right fielder Hunter Pence, who suffered a setback in his last appearance July 16 against Round Rock. The San Francisco Giants star seemed no worse for wear, proving he was raring to go by launching a solo home run in his first at-bat of the game. The home run was Pence’s first with Sacramento since May 12 of last year.

The three-time All-Star was not done either, as Pence smacked a double in his next at-bat to leadoff the fourth inning before coming around to score. The right-handed slugger finished the night 2-for-3 with a RBI and two runs scored before being replaced in right field by veteran Chris Denorfia.

Not to be outdone was fellow fan-favorite Andrew Susac, who mashed his second home run in as many games in the winning effort. The talented backstop continued his hot hitting tonight, going 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. The Roseville-native showed off his defensive skills behind the dish as well, picking off Zephyrs’ catcher Tomas Telis to end the sixth inning.

Tonight marked Susac’s second time this month in which he has hit home runs in consecutive games and the fifth time in his last 10 games in which he has gone yard. The right-hander has been locked in at the plate this month as a whole, leading the team in RBI (13) and runs scored (11).

Right-hander Chris Stratton took care of the rest for Sacramento, putting forth another solid outing while picking up his seventh win in his last 10 starts. A native of Tupelo, Mississippi, Stratton went six innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on seven hits while striking out four and didn’t allow a walk. Over his last three starts, Stratton has struck out 20 of the last 76 batters he has faced.

Jean Machi made things interesting in the ninth as he allowed one run before striking out Xavier Scruggs with the bases loaded to end the game. The save was Machi’s fifth with Sacramento and third on the road trip.

The River Cats will fly home to the friendly confines of Raley Field to open a four-game set against the El Paso Chihuahuas this weekend. Sacramento will send lanky right-hander Joan Gregorio (2-6, 5.92) to the mound and El Paso will counter with their own righty in Michael Kelly (5-0, 3.23). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT) and can be heard live online at rivercats.com.